A combination of steady rain and melting snow will lead to flooding this week, according to the National Weather Service.

Some parts of the Des Moines metro area are already experiencing rising water levels as the rainwater and snowmelt accumulate and ice jams cause rivers to back up, leading to sharp increases in water levels over short amounts of time.

For example, an ice jam on the Des Moines River in Ottumwa earlier this week resulted in a more than 5-foot rise in about an hour, flooding a campground.

What areas are expected to experience the worst floods? The map below shows the National Weather Service's river gauges forecast to reach flood stage over the next few days. Keep in mind that these gauges measure only a specific point on their rivers, and areas in between or without gauges may also experience flooding even if they aren't specifically marked on the map.

Some areas, such as the Middle River near Indianola or the Raccoon River near Redfield, are already experiencing flooding, thanks to ice jams.

[3/13 1:40p] Drone pictures of flooding from an ice jam on the Middle River near Highway 65/69 and G24 in Warren County. Thanks to Warren County EMA for sharing these photos. #iawxpic.twitter.com/kd3ZYtmIj3

This is on Brige Street in Redfield, where emergency vehicles are now stationed on both sides of the bridge. The river is moving quickly, and there are whole trees wrapped up in those ice chunks. pic.twitter.com/ysK6C3bwfJ

Downtown, the Raccoon River at Fleur Drive and the Des Moines River at SE Sixth Street are forecast to experience moderate flooding. Cresting is expected over the weekend.

The only part of the Des Moines metro area expected to hit major flood levels is the North Racoon River, near Perry.

But flooding may occur in any low-lying area or location with poor drainage. The potential for ice jams means rivers — especially those with several bends where ice can accumulate, like the Raccoon River — could flood quickly.The weather service advises Iowans to be aware of their surroundings and turn around if they come across a flooded roadway.